Anxiety - Treatment

Go to a GP and they may prescribe drugs that block adrenaline. The drugs called Propranolol and nadolol are known more commonly as beta blockers.

They also act to lower blood pressure and pulse, breaking the spiralling feedback between brain and body. Anti-depressants may also be used such as Temazepam, which is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are used for their sedative and anxiety-relieving effects.

Benzodiazepines work by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) in the brain. It is only used for short periods, and learning to change the way you think about anxiety is a better long term option.

If the GP suggests cognitive behavioural therapy for phobias or OCD then on the NHS you can receive 6 sessions, however talking to some CB therapists many reckon that it can take between 16 - 24 sessions to desensitise someone to the trigger.

Having experienced phobias and panic attacks myself I can honestly say the best method I found to tackle them were the techniques taught to me when training as a hypnotherapist. Alongside visualisation - how I'd prefer to respond - and having the motivation to achieve my results, I managed to eradicate my phobias.

If you're ready to eradicate your phobias or have suffered a trauma and want to stop it playing over and over again, then please get in touch. You really can stop them.

Also see > Anxiety Intro / Anxiety pathology /Symptoms of anxiety / hypnotherapy / cognitive behavioural therapy /Case studies / finding a therapist